The first Education City open esports tournament, which will be held between the 9th and the 10th of September, aims to tap into the growing popularity of sporting competition through video games, and build its profile in Qatar while supporting the rise of an esports community in the country and potentially opening up new career paths for young people.
Taking place at Multaqa (Education City Student Centre), the free-to-enter tournament, which will see participants compete in two popular competitive games, FIFA 22 and Super Smash Brothers, will be hosted on the new social gaming platform Showdown. The platform has been developed by Qatar-based venture Project Infinite which has been supported by funding through Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Innovation Coupon.
Showdown allows both professional and amateur esports athletes and gamers to create and build their profiles as they progress their careers, and provides a safe and responsible space for gaming, as well as to join tournaments.
Founded in 2018 by a group of gamers and tech entrepreneurs, Project Infinite empowers esports in the region by delivering advanced tech solutions, advocating for responsible gaming, and promoting Arab culture, art, and music within the video game industry. The venture also aims to create financial opportunities for local communities as part of its ongoing engagement with local and regional strategic partners and entities.
The magnitude of the esports boom in recent years is huge, and in this field, there are many potential players and pioneers in the MENA region.
The Education City Open comes after two online esports competitions held in July and August by QF and Project Infinite. Registration for the Education City Open esports tournament is now open until the 8th of September here.